Day 1: had a kip cos I was knackered from the overnight flight. Got up at about 1 and decided to explore the city. It did take me a while to master their Metro system as the map I was given had the English stop names but the trains and stations themselves only used the cyrillic spellings. By the end of the next day I was actually enjoying the Metro puzzle as it reminded me of the codes I had to break in puzzle books from when I was younger. When I did emerge from the Metro I had by pure chance stumbled across one of the many entrances to the Kremlin. Although Kremlin sounds slightly ominous because it is spelt simiarly to those weird green goblins it actually means Fortress (or Castle) and is exactly that. A massive red fortress right in the middle of Moscow which is where their parliament, national treasures and most famous churches are. To be honest makes Big Ben seem a bit shit. One part of the Kremlin is called the Armoury this is were they store their most valuable treasures and this is were I visited first. Highlights included Faberge eggs, Royal carriages and the most extravagant incense burner I have ever seen.

Day 2: started much earlier with a guided tour, I could list all the facts and figures I learnt but you'll just have visit Moscow yourself but I will mention a tradition that I thought was quite romantic. When couples get married they go together to a shop to buy the toughest pad lock they can, they then write their names on it, they then go to a bridge and lock their lock on to the railing (or some bridges have specially designed metal trees) and together throw the key into the river, this symbolizes their eternal love...ahhh!

Day 3: included visiting the rest of the Kremlin (it is massive) and a couple of art galleries which although boring to read about I did enjoy.

Moscow summary

Russians (like asians apparently) are not that bothered about queueing whether on foot or in a car yet at the same time are actually very polite (they are especially quick to offer up seats in the Metro).
Some of Moscows highlights are underground...the Metro stations are surprisingly beautiful, they also have a massive underground shopping mall and the subways which are essential for crossing the street safely are a curious combination of lingerie shop, weapons shop (including samurai swords (these 2 shops are actually right next to each other)), Gregg the bakers and occassionally a live music venue.

Chapter 2 will include the Primark train and ger camps. Stay tuned.

written by  redherobluevillain7 on June 30, 2009 from Moscow, Russia
from the travel blog: Stories from the middle of the middle kingdom.
Send a Compliment

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Very interesting ! I did not know you was a so good writer..
I will read with much apetite the next chapters...
Alain.

written by  Alain Marcom on July 7, 2009

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hi greg, I've translated your comments for josette and Claude, we were all together here at home, carole, christelle,gaetan bruno and me to read your first lines, and are all very happy that you enjoy this trip. I'll make sure your story will be followed by everyone in the familly here on Oleron, we all kiss you and hope you enjoy a lot.
XXX
Ursula

P.S. we wait for more :-) !!!

written by  Bruno, Carole, Christelle, Gaetan,Ursula on July 13, 2009

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You have an international readership greg... and we're awaiting an update! I look forward to more tales and am sad that I didn't think of keeping a blogjournal when I came here.

written by  Karine on July 22, 2009

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Bonjour gergory !! je vois que tu es parti bien loin de nous tous. Raconte moi comment se passe ton voyage et ce que tu fais de beau. Nous nous retrouvons tous à Oleron fin aout et nous penserons à toi. Je t'embrasse bien fort et espere que la compagnie des asiatiques te fera devenir aussi zen qu'eux ;-)))))

written by  Christelle JAMIN on August 2, 2009

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Greg my love! I've only just realised you have this blog! Just read your entries - sounds like your having some interesting experiences, some great - seeing the sights of Moscow, some not so good..i hope you've had a bath by now! I love the details you've given us about the people you've met..social class, preferred mode of transport, life-long illness..you know, the important shit. seriously though it's a really interesting read perhaps you should be a journalist when you come home? What are you up to now??You need to keep us updated on your travels!!

I don't have much to report..apart from I finally have a job whoop whoop! You never know if I'm feeling rich anytime soon I might even come and visit you! Been attempting to organise a uni Reunion thing again but it just won't be the same without you...missing you gorge!

take care!

Antonia
xxx

written by  Antonia Kekkou on October 3, 2009

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